Nothing smells better than cookies fresh from the oven. For lots of us, sugar cookies is the first thing we learn to bake with our folks. Theyre plain but you can jazz them up with icing, sprinkles or even chocolate chips. Thats why both new bakers and those who bake all the time still love them so much.
Sugar cookies has been around a long time. They came from Europe way back in the 1700s and was first called “Nazareth cookies.” People made them for parties and holidays. Then settlers brought the idea to America and ever since people been making all kinds of shapes and decorations.
Im gonna show you a really simple recipe that make soft, buttery sugar cookies every single time. Youll get a list of ingredients, tools and step-by-step directions to follow. With just a little care, youll end up with golden cookies that everyone will gobble up.
Ingredients
To make the best sugar cookies, youll need these things:
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their body and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Makes them sweet and helps with the texture.
- Butter (or alternatives): Adds richness and flavor. You can also use margarine or coconut oil if you prefer.
- Eggs: Help hold everything together and give moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings out the cookie’s flavor.
- Baking Powder: Makes them light by helping them rise a bit.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and improves taste.
- Optional Add-Ins: Sprinkles, frosting or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
When choosing ingredients, quality matters. Fresh butter and eggs make a big differnce in taste and texture. If you need special options, you can swap in gluten-free flour or a vegan butter substitute.
Equipment Needed
Before you start baking you should make sure you got these tools ready:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining everything.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise amounts are super important or the cookies might not turn out right.
- Rolling Pin: To roll dough to an even thickness.
- Cookie Cutters: For cutting shapes.
- Baking Sheets: Where your cookies will bake; having more than one helps you bake batches faster.
- Parchment Paper: Stops sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Cooling Rack: Lets air reach all sides so cookies cool evenly.
Recipe Directions
Follow these steps and you should end up with tasty sugar cookies every time:
1. Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While its heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, this will stop them from sticking and makes cleaning a lot easier.
2. Mixing the Dough
In a big bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, crack the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, mix it all good. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to the butter mix, stir until just combined. Dont over-mix or the cookies can get tough.
3. Chilling the Dough
Put the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when they bake and makes them more tender.
4. Rolling and Cutting
Sprinkle flour on a clean counter and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use your cookie cutters to cut shapes then place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space so they can spread.
5. Baking
Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn light brown but centers still look soft. Dont overbake or theyll end up hard.
6. Cooling and Decorating
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes then move them to a cooling rack so they cool completely. Only then add icing, sprinkles or chocolate chips for decoration.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
- Consistency in Dough: Aim for a soft, but not sticky dough. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour.
- Importance of Measuring: Always use exact measurements or the cookies might turn out weird.
- Avoiding Over-Mixing: Mix only until ingredients are combined to keep cookies light.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: Turn sheets halfway through baking so cookies bake evenly.
- Storing Cookies: Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week.
Variations of Sugar Cookies
- Classic Sugar Cookies: The simple recipe thats always a hit.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest and juice for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Mix in chocolate chips for extra yum.
- Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend so everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs for an egg-free option.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Best Beverages: Milk, tea or coffee go perfect with sugar cookies.
- Party Ideas: Lay out cookies on colorful platters or let guests decorate their own.
- Cookie Gifts: Wrap cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon or put them in pretty tins.
FAQs
What makes sugar cookies different from other cookies?
Sugar cookies is softer and sweeter than many other cookies because of the higher sugar and butter ratio.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tight in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
How long can sugar cookies be stored?
They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer.
What can I use instead of butter in sugar cookies?
You can use margarine, coconut oil, or vegan butter substitutes to get a similar richness.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds more moisture and a deeper flavor but the texture might be a bit different.
Conclusion
Sugar cookies are easy to make, super tasty and perfect for any event. We went through their history, all the ingrediants and steps, and even some fun variations. Dont be afraid to try new flavors or decorations, and let me know how yours turn out or share your own cookie ideas with friends and family.
sugar cookie recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 rolling pin (optional)
- 1 cookie cutters (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If you prefer cut-out cookies, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer drop cookies, scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar on top of each cookie if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent overbaking.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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